I have an announcement: I’m headed into “a new frontier”. I’m taking my blogging elsewhere. That sounds mean but that’s not what I mean. I’ve narrowed my audience to blog only for people in education. So, I am sad to move on from a2zhope but this decision comes from signs of growth in a particular community. I see a desperate need for hope in young people’s lives and I must take a tangible message to them. So, for my last post, I’ve asked my contributors to share with me their hopes for the upcoming generation presently in High School- the words they wish someone would have shared with them when they were in High School. Here they are:

“You have your whole life before you, every day. Every morning is a new opportunity. It does not matter what took place yesterday, because today is where you are now. And the choices you make today can open up new possibilities for tomorrow. Every day is filled with Hope.” – Joel

Get to know God so well that your identity is grounded in Him, not in anything else that’s swirling around you in high school. Also – wait until you’re married to have sex: you won’t ever regret it! Seriously. And don’t worry about whether or not you’re popular – cultivate a loving and generous heart instead toward everyone in your particular sphere of influence. When you and your classmates are all 30 years old, they’ll remember you for having been kind and mature, not for how popular you were. You’ll be well down the road of making the world a more peace-filled, hope-filled place. – Faith

“The world is a bigger place that you can conceive of. Don’t let that overwhelm you, and don’t listen to those who say it’s beyond you. Rather, let the largeness of the world – complex, terrifying, broken, beautiful – be your permission to do anything. And go with God.” – Kathleen

“Put thought into the choices you make today. The choices you make today will shape who you are tomorrow. Following the crowd may be fun at the time, but have far reaching consequences that may not be so much fun…

You are a part of the whole in this world, and each part has a contribution. Each contribution is important, so find yours and do your best at it. Don’t try to fit your piece of the puzzle where it doesn’t belong…” – Jenna

“Let your loneliness and fears lead you into God’s deep embrace. From this place you can smile with ease, laugh at your clumsiness, and even make it through a break up and a friend’s betrayal. When you know your own belovedness you can begin helping your friends know it too.” – Meredith

and the words I longed to hear…

“You can’t even imagine how many awesome things are yet to come. There will be some terrible but you can overcome. God is with you, you are not alone. And many people love you dearly. Things will take way longer to happen than you want them to but, keep your eyes open for wonderful surprises along the way. You will have missed them if you take the short-cuts.” -Rob

Thank you all for reading and sharing your lives with this community of hope!

Become A Contributor

Thrive!

Be part of a thriving community that creates expressions of hope. As a contributor you can encourage creativity in others and get feedback on your projects. Share your struggles and triumphs with people who strive for a meaningful life.

Tangible!

Join the Campaign. This is more than a blog. Our contributors are positively impacting their local communities to change futures, shape culture, and inspire people. Here you’ll find opportunities to serve.

Task!

Share your adventures, your inspirations, and your creative works with the world!